How to Save WebP Images as PNG
When to convert WebP to PNG
PNG is a lossless image format — meaning it preserves every pixel of the original image without compression artifacts. Converting WebP to PNG is the right choice when:
- You need transparency — PNG supports alpha channels (transparent backgrounds)
- You’re editing the image — lossless format means no quality degradation
- You need pixel-perfect quality — screenshots, UI elements, logos
- The recipient needs PNG — some workflows or tools require PNG specifically
- You’re archiving — PNG preserves the image exactly as-is
Method 1: Save Image As Type extension (recommended)
The quickest way to save any WebP image as PNG:
- Install Save Image As Type for Chrome, Firefox, or Edge
- Find the WebP image on any webpage
- Right-click the image
- Select Save Image As Type > Save as PNG
- The PNG file downloads instantly
The conversion uses your browser’s Canvas API — no servers, no uploads, no waiting.
Why PNG is lossless
Unlike JPG (which discards some image data to shrink file size), PNG stores every pixel exactly. When you convert WebP to PNG with Save Image As Type, you get a perfect pixel-for-pixel copy of the rendered image.
Method 2: Browser developer tools
For technical users, you can extract images via browser DevTools:
- Open DevTools (F12)
- Find the image in the Elements panel
- Right-click the
<img>src URL → Open in new tab - Right-click → Save image as…
This gives you the original format (usually WebP). You’d still need to convert it separately.
Method 3: Screenshot + crop
A rough workaround:
- Zoom to 100% on the image
- Take a screenshot (captures as PNG on most systems)
- Crop to the image boundaries
Downsides: Lower quality (screen resolution), manual cropping, doesn’t capture the full image if it extends beyond viewport.
WebP vs PNG comparison
| Feature | WebP | PNG |
|---|---|---|
| File size | Smaller (25-35% less) | Larger |
| Lossless mode | Yes (WebP lossless) | Always lossless |
| Transparency | Yes | Yes |
| Animation | Yes | No (use APNG) |
| Browser support | Modern browsers | Universal |
| Editing compatibility | Growing | Universal |
Tips for WebP to PNG conversion
- Transparency is preserved — if the original WebP has a transparent background, the PNG output will too
- File size will increase — PNG files are typically larger than WebP for the same image
- Quality is maximal — PNG doesn’t have a quality slider; it’s always lossless
- SVG images — if the source is actually an SVG, converting to PNG will rasterize it at the rendered dimensions
When NOT to use PNG
PNG isn’t always the best choice:
- Photos — use JPG for better file sizes on photographs
- Web delivery — use WebP or AVIF for smaller files that load faster
- Simple graphics — SVG might be a better choice for logos and icons
For photos you’re sharing, JPG at 95% quality (the default in Save Image As Type) is usually the better option.